3. Land the club’s next long-term striker
The crown jewel in Juventus’ rebuild.
The departure of Cristiano Ronaldo in the dying embers of the summer transfer window stunned the Bianconeri. In a blink of an eye, last season’s Capocannoniere was out the door and all the club could do to mitigate against his departure was to reunite with Moise Kean.
The Italian youngster was not expected to fill the boots of the departed great alone. But there was hope that Paulo Dybala, Alvaro Morata and Federico Chiesa would combine to support Kean and cover the debt left by Ronaldo between them. That hasn’t been the case.
Chiesa has started and finished just three Serie A games this term, niggling injuries have prevented Dybala from building any serious momentum, while Morata admitted in November that he was feeling the pressure as Juve’s leading marksman.
Juventus not only need a bona fide Ronaldo replacement, but they need their number nine for the next decade and the search is already well underway.
Dusan Vlahovic is the ultimate fantasy, but some are sceptical whether Juve will be able to finance the big-money deal. As a result, Sassuolo’s Gianluca Scamacca has gained serious traction in recent weeks and he may well be the club’s priority target come June.
Some have used his sub-par goal record as evidence that he might not be the answer to Juventus’ prayers, but his development for the Neroverdi this season has been distinct. He’s so much more than mere goals and his addition in the summer would be an exciting one for the Bianconeri.
For the time being, Juve are said to be in pursuit of a stop-gap forward option in January despite Allegri ruling out Morata’s sale. As a result, Mauro Icardi could be brought in on a six-month loan to bolster the attack for the remainder of 2021/22.
The club haven’t panicked in their striker pursuit thus far, and they must keep their cool this month. Don’t force anything. If there’s a deal to be made, make it, but ensure it doesn’t compromise the long-term strategy.
Stay tuned for part two!